Bonhoeffer's theology was expanded exponentially during his "study abroad" experience in Rome. Coming from a Lutheran Protestant background, Bonhoeffer's ideas of what the church should look like were transformed and widened as he witnessed genuine worship and faith in the Roman Catholic Church. The splendor and grandeur of Roman architecture and art that was incorporated into the Catholic Church attracted Bonhoeffer, who's classical education had dispositioned him to revere. In Paris, I have had the privilege of touring some of the oldest and most beautiful cathedrals in the world. In several of these ancient churches, I have been rendered speechless by the detail and exquisite craftsmanship that decorates the buildings- inside and out. The art is unparalleled to anything I have ever seen in my lifetime- and these carvings and paintings have remained for centuries. Incredible! The people that labored to build these cathedrals were often-times living in dire conditions. Poverty, sweepingly devastating epidemics, and violent revolutions aside, these people erected houses of worship that continue to amaze and dumbfound visitors centuries later. Located in a very poor neighborhood in North Tulsa, the church I attend is not pretty. However, despite the old building and the worn down facilities, that church is the place I have seen the Gospel carried out most beautifully. Being surrounded by so much poverty and pain, it has been easy sometimes to resent churches in South Tulsa that spend what seems to be incredible amounts of money to make have extravagant decorations, the best and newest equipment, and the coolest and most attractive youth buildings. I have often criticized these churches to my friends, wondering how in the world they could justify all these extravagancies when there are children 6 miles north that haven't eaten in two days, or that don't have proper clothing for the extreme Oklahoma temperatures. My perspective of condemnation has changed, however, since being in Paris. These cathedrals were extravagant during their day, yet they were built for the glory of God. Surely there was the same poverty then as there is now, likely far worse. These buildings were still built in worship and reverence for Christ. Church can, and should be beautiful and awe-some: if extravagancies are done for the glory of God, then maybe I should think twice before being so quick to judge and criticize.